Stephanie Chrispin

Why did you choose Wagner for graduate school? 

Wagner was the only graduate program that allowed me to continue working while taking substantive, professionally-relevant courses. I also loved the cross-pollination among students with different specializations; I was able to learn beside folks pursuing urban studies, international development, or public policy. This diversity stimulated deeper learning for me, encouraging me to constantly look for the intersections across issue areas.

How did you find your first post-Wagner job? 

I never would've heard of the opportunity to be the first Public Policy Fellow at Philanthropy New York had it not been for the Office of Career Services. Good thing too -- PNY only shared the job opening with two other graduate programs that year and didn't post it publicly elsewhere.

Describe your current job.

I oversee all of AI’s communications strategy and multimedia content development. Strategic Communications was and continues to be a godsend; I still use the worksheets to help me craft communications audits and guide brand strategy in my current role.

I'm also the main point person for the organization’s relationships with institutional and individual donors, setting strategy and executing AI’s fundraising efforts. My favorite aspect of my role is supporting our legislative advocacy trainings for the philanthropic community, tailoring AI's curriculum specifically for grantmaking audiences.